Have a bloomin’ good time this September at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. This floral festival has blossomed every year since it started 71 years ago. Now, more than 170,000 flowers can be seen across the Toowoomba parks and public spaces. Sure, it might look a little different this year. But the re-imagined event has some floral delights in store for Queensland families, including brand new additions to the program.
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has more than 30 events in its 2020 line-up, with the bulk occurring from 18th to 27th of September. It has been adjusted to keep everyone safe.
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Play in the Petals
The council gardeners have been hard at work transforming local parks into a flower-filled fantasy. Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park will fill with bursts of colour, including varieties such as snapdragons, petunias, tulips, poppies and even ornamental kale. You can see these after dark at the free Night Garden event open from 18th to 27th September. The Ferris Wheel, an icon of the festival, will also be on at the Botanic Gardens from 18th to 27th September.
Chalk Art in the Park
We’ll chalk it up to the pollen – things are definitely getting arty at this year’s carnival. There are no musical acts due to the restrictions. However, art of a different kind can be found on the concrete paths of Queens Park. Each Saturday in September, from 10am to 2pm, a different local artist will take up the mantle and produce astonishing images in chalk. On Saturday the 5th, Kristy Richardson is our artist-in-residence. The baton will pass to Mary-Kate Thomson on Saturday the 12th and Alex Stalling on Saturday the 19th. Stacey Blinco will wrap up the chalk art on 26th September.
Brand new #trEATS foodie trail
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers introduces a festival first foodie trail for families who love to eat. The #trEATS program shows off the springtime specialties of the Toowoomba region. Sixty local producers, cafes and restaurants have signed up. Each one will offer a signature dish for only $20 across the month of September. This includes a Devonshire tea for two at City Library Café, a fancy deconstructed pavlova for two at Fitzy’s Toowoomba and a Hello Harry meal of beef burger, chips, onion ring and three icecream scoops.
Grown-ups looking for some time off can also join the Walking Pub Tour showcasing the best watering holes in the Toowoomba region!
Rowes Carnival of Light shows
Make your way to 58 Russell Street to see the Rowes Building illuminated with animated projections. Every night at 6.30pm and again at 9pm from 18th to 27th September, the free light installation will include dancing myrtle trees, magical garden gnomes, blossoming flowers and cheeky insects!
Petals and Pups 2020
Your furry family members can get in on the action, with more than 20 dog-friendly activities available. The festival also promotes the region’s 27 off-leash dog parks, as well as cafes, restaurants and accommodations where pups are welcome. You might be lucky enough to meet this year’s brand new ‘Ambassadog,’ Rambo!
Grand Central Floral Parade
A mainstay of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, the famous parade will assume a different guise in 2020. Transformed into an installation of floats and decorations in Grand Central Shopping Centre, you can visit the Parade of Colour in the September holidays.
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